— Landline Transition Guide

Got a letter from AT&T about your landline? Here's what it means.

AT&T is retiring its old copper phone network in many areas. If you got a letter, AT&T plans to end your current landline service at your address and move you to a replacement. The letter is real and you should act on it, but you don't need to panic.

What the letter usually says

Your current landline plan will be discontinued on or after a date printed in the letter.

AT&T is offering a replacement, usually AT&T Phone - Advanced, and sometimes a wireless option.

In some cases, a deadline to choose a replacement before service ends.

The date in your own letter is the one that counts. Dates differ by area.

Dates we know about

November 15, 2026

On or after March 15, 2027

California

2029

AT&T's first shutoffs begin in parts of 18 states.

Illinois customers who received letters.

AT&T has asked federal regulators for approval; timing is not final.

AT&T plans to exit copper service across its area.

Check my medical alert
Compare replacement options

What to do now

1. Keep the letter and write down the date.

2. List everything plugged into your phone jacks: medical alert, alarm, fax, answering machine.

3. Call AT&T at the number on your bill and ask how each device will work on the replacement.

4. Compare your options before you agree to anything.

5. After you switch, test every device the same day.

Is this letter a scam?

The letters are real, but scammers copy real news. Be careful with anyone who calls, texts or emails about the shutoff and asks for payment, passwords or your Social Security number. Hang up and call AT&T yourself using the number on your bill.

This site is independent and not affiliated with AT&T. If anything differs, the details in your own letter take priority.